ALL MEDIA CHALLENGE 42 - APRIL, 2014

The water (as it was actually in front of me) was swirling around at speed so it would feel unsettling as there are very few straight lines to calm the eye down.No warm colour was used either.

Jen...I live at the top of a hill. the river Welland flows in the valley. Before the local council drained the water meadows near the town bridge they were regularly flooded to a depth of four feet which meant the adjoining lower level premises were always flooded. The town was actually an inland port at one time...the river was tidal. I am always amazed at the strength and power of water at speed.

Karen, nice start on the bike trail. All those greens and trees are always a challenge. I liked this reference too. So far I am still working in clay but will probably get down to painting again soon. There are several I want to do but time sure does fly! Hopefully everyone will be feeling better this month.

Here is my version of Bob. Cp on Strathmore Gray Scale paper 9x12. You may not recognize him but this is the best portrait I have done to date.The paper is black but I was taking this inside because of the down pour out side and picked up a little flare.

Jen and Bonnie thank you for your comment on the Bike path. I'm not happy with the greens but will play with it some more. Jen I'm looking forward to the clay Bunny. I hope you have enough clay.

Geri good job on Bob. I love the black paper. This was not an easy one and the angle and lighting make it all the more difficult. I think if you darken the inside bottom of right eye and lower his top lip to give more mustache it may add to the likeness. You really got close on his eye color. They are a beautiful blue. Great job Geri.

Jen, Bonnie ,and Karen thank you for your comments. They are all appreciated. I agree that there is some room for improvement especially around the mouth. I have run into the problem of the surface of the paper is overworked and won't take any more color. Also the actual picture does not look that splotchy. I will try and get a better photo when the weather clears.

Just curious Karen did you show it to Bob and if so what did he say?? Good or bad won't hurt my feelings

Geri thanks for the comments. I am still trying to find my style. Its great to experiment.

I agree the lines under Bobs eyes are too dark. I have tried to sketch Bob from life and can't seem to get it. This was my first try from a picture without using grids. Portraits are not so easy. The slightest line too light or dark or a little off and it is someone else. His was the first face I tried to sketch and I'm not sure it was human. At least now it has some likeness. I guess it comes down to practice, practice, practice.